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Little things Stand Out

Chloe FraserSound Telegraph
Great Beginnings Secret Harbour educator Juliet Davis with Olivia Milne, 3 and Emily Bennett, 3.
Camera IconGreat Beginnings Secret Harbour educator Juliet Davis with Olivia Milne, 3 and Emily Bennett, 3.

Whether its laundry flapping in the breeze on the child-height washing line, the stacks of cardboard delivery boxes that go straight to the activity area or water conservation measures, sustainability is being played out in countless ways at Great Beginnings Secret Harbour.

The many initiatives adopted at the centre have been put in place by educator Juliet Davis, whose efforts have earned her the National Stand Out Educator Award for Sustainability at G8 Education’s annual awards.

Ms Davis said she was passionate about teaching children the “little ways” they could help create a sustainable future.

“I’m very much about the reduce, reuse, recycle initiative at the centre,” she said.

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“We are constantly looking at ways to get the kids more aware about how they can make a difference in the world and how they can then become sustainable adults.”

G8 Education chief executive Gary Carroll said Ms Davis was an inspiring example of the critical role early childhood educators and teachers played in shaping the next generation.

“Juliet has demonstrated to the children in her care that every little thing can make a big difference to sustainability outcomes,” Mr Carroll said.

“She curtailed use of the centre dryer, began pegging laundry on the line and before long the children wanted to join in and learn more about saving energy and what they could do to help the planet.

“This is early childhood education in the best possible way — learning through play and practice.” G8 Education area manager Candice Lee Gertau said Ms Davis’ passion for early childhood education and the environment had won the hearts and minds of the children in her care as well as the broader community.

“Nothing goes to waste at the centre and our families and community are aware of the constant message she is trying to teach about sustainable practices,” Ms Gertau said.

The G8 Education National Award Winners were announced last Wednesday at a virtual awards ceremony.

Ms Davis was selected from 10,000 educators from across the country.

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